Preparing for Ramadan 2024: Tips for a Meaningful Month

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What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It begins when the crescent moon appears in the sky and lasts 29-30 days depending on the lunar cycle. During this month, Muslims observe a fast from sunrise to sunset every day for 29-30 days; abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other sensual pleasures. Not only does fasting help Muslims cleanse their souls by reducing distractions but it also helps them focus on prayer and connecting with Allah more deeply.

Fasting during Ramadan isn’t just physical; it also involves spiritual fasting as well. Muslims are encouraged to stay away from negative thoughts or actions such as gossiping or lying during this period of reflection. Additionally, they strive to do more good deeds such as helping those less fortunate or being more generous with charity donations than usual.

Ramadan 2024 , Key dates , Importance & Benefits of Fasting

  • Ramadan is an important month in the Islamic calendar, a time for spiritual reflection, celebrating faith and traditions, and spending quality time with family and friends.
  • Every year, the start of Ramadan changes by a few days. With that in mind, let’s take a look at when Ramadan 2024 rolls around.

When is Ramadan 2024?

In the USA, Ramadan 2024 will start on March 10th, and end on April 9th.

When is Ramadan 2024 over?

Ramadan 2024 will be continued for 29 or 30 days until Eid al-Fitr commences on 9th April depending on the moon sighting.

When is Laylat ul-Qadr in Ramadan 2024?

  • Many Muslims believe Laylat ul-Qadr falls on the 27th night of Ramadan. In 2024, this would be the night of April 5th
  • While Islamic scholars suggest focusing on the last 10 nights of Ramadan, especially the odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th), as Laylat ul-Qadr is most likely to occur on one of these nights.

When is the last day of Ramadan 2024?

  • The last day of Ramadan 2024 is expected to be on Tuesday, April 9th

When is EId Ul fitr 2024?

  • The celebration of Eid al-Fitr is expected to be on Wednesday, April 10th.

Important Supplications (Dua) of Ramadan

Supplication (dua) to start the fast in Ramadan 2023

Transliteration: “Wa Bisawmi ghadinn nawaitu min shahri Ramadan”

Translation: “I intend to keep the fast tomorrow for the month of Ramadan.”

Supplication (Dua) to break the fast in Ramadan.

Transliteration: “Allahumma laka sumtu wa ‘ala rizqika aftartu.”

Translation: “O Allah, I fasted for You and I am breaking my fast with the sustenance You have provided.”

Supplication after breaking fast in Ramadan

Translation: “The thirst is gone, the veins are quenched, and the reward is certain, God willing.”

What does Ashra Means? And what is the importance of the last Ashra?

  • The month of Ramadan consists of 30 days and each 10 days are known as Ashra. The last Ashra of Ramadan is the most important and a time of great spiritual significance for Muslims.

  • The last Ashra spans the final ten days of Ramadan, beginning on the 21st night of the month and ending with the sighting of the new moon, which marks the beginning of the Eid al-Fitr celebration.

Laylat al-Qadr:

The most important night of the year for Muslims, Laylat al-Qadr, falls within the last Ashra of Ramadan. Muslims engage in intense worship, prayer, and remembrance of Allah on this night, seeking forgiveness and asking for guidance and blessings.

Who is exempted from observing the fast?

In Islam, specific categories of people are exempted from observing the fast during Ramadan. These include:

  • Children who have not reached puberty
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women who fear for their health or the health of their child
  • Elderly people who are not physically able to fast
  • Those who are traveling fear that fasting will harm their health or make the journey more difficult
  • People who are sick or have a medical condition that prevents them from fasting.

However, those who are exempted from fasting are expected to make up for the missed fasts at a later time or to provide food for those in need as a form of compensation.

Rules of Ramadan fasting

  • Ramadan fasting requires Muslims to abstain from food and drink (including water) from dawn until sunset. This fasting period is known as sawm, which means “abstinence” in Arabic.
  • During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to refrain from negative behaviors such as lying, fighting, cursing, and gossiping.

The Purpose of Ramadan

It is a time for Muslims to reflect on their relationship with Allah, increase their devotion and faith, and strengthen their bond with their community.

The purpose of Ramadan is diverseencompassing spiritual, moral, and social dimensions.

  • The religious aims of Ramadan are that it helps the Muslims understand the needs of the poor and the sick among them.
  • Approaching Allah and soul purification.
  • This is also the time to engage in extra prayer and recital of the Quran to attain deeper understanding of the teachings and commandments of Allah.
  • By fasting and practicing other kinds of acts of worship, believers wish to enhance their self-control and develop more humility and appreciation.
  • Fasting is a way to achieve empathy and compassion toward the less privileged and a kind of an extra reminder that it is essential to share blessings with others.
  • Muslims should abstain from bad behaviors like lying, gossiping, and arguments throughout the month.
  • Nevertheless, they are advised to cultivate positive connections with other people, to be kind and generous towards others, and to treat every person with respect.
  • The month is marked by the communal breaking of the fast, known as iftar, which brings family, friends, and neighbors together to share the joy of the occasion.
  • Muslims are also encouraged to donate to charity during Ramadan, supporting those in need and helping build a sense of social responsibility and solidarity.

Foods to Eat and Avoid During Ramadan 2024

Here are some tips for foods to eat and avoid during Ramadan:

Foods to Eat during Ramadan 2024

For the maintenance of good health and high energy levels throughout Ramadan, a balanced diet that includes foods from all of the major food groups is necessary. This includes:

  • Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables as complex carbohydrates.
  • Lean proteins sources like chicken, fish, and legumes.
  • Good fats like those gotten from nuts, seeds and avocado are also important.
  • Huge amounts of water and other hydrating liquids

Foods to Avoid During Ramadan 2024

  • Foods that are high in sugar or fat, such as sweets, fried foods, and processed snacks
  • Foods that are overly spicy or salty can lead to dehydration
  • Large meals that are difficult to digest can cause discomfort and fatigue during the day

Overall, by focusing on a balanced diet and avoiding certain foods and eating habits during Ramadan, it’s possible to maintain good health and energy levels throughout the fasting period.

Special Ramadan 2024 foods and drinks all over the world

Güllaç is a traditional Turkish dessert made with layers of paper-thin pastry sheets soaked in sweetened milk and topped with pomegranate seeds and walnuts.

Iran – Haleem:

Haleem is a traditional Iranian dish made with wheat, meat, and lentils. It is often taken in breakfast during Ramadan.

Egypt – Feseekh:

Feseekhis a traditional Egyptian dish made of fermented fish. It is often eaten for breakfast during the first day of Ramadan.

Indonesia – Kolak:

Kolakis a traditional Indonesian dessert made with bananas, sweet potatoes, and coconut milk often served as a sweet treat during iftar.

Some everyday spiritual acts during RAMADAN 2024

Charity and giving during Ramadan:

During Ramadan, Muslims actively increase their charitable giving, seeing it as an essential part of their faith to purify themselves and earn blessings from Allah.

And They are encouraged to give Sadaqah (voluntary charity) in various forms, such as providing food for those who are fasting, supporting those in need, and donating to charitable organizations.

Many mosques and Islamic centers actively set up donation drives during Ramadan.

Recitation of the Quran

The recitation of the Quran is also an important part of Ramadan tradition and customs.

During Ramadan, Muslims traditionally dedicate more time to reading the Quran and reflecting on its teachings than any other month in the Islamic calendar.

It will allow them to gain greater knowledge about their faith and understand what Allah has asked from them as believers.

You can also enroll yourself in online Quran classes at quranforkids.com

Taraweeh prayers

Taraweeh prayers occur each night during Ramadan after Isha’a prayers (the evening prayer). These prayers are unique because they are said while standing rather than sitting or kneeling, like regular Muslim prayer times.

quran majeed

Wrapping Up

Ramadan 2024 is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to start preparing yourself for this holy month.

Setting goals for yourself and reflecting on your spiritual journey thus far is essential. You should also stay informed about the key dates of Ramadan so you can plan accordingly.

Fasting during Ramadan is an essential aspect of this month, both spiritually and physically, so if you can observe it, ensure you try to do so.

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